What are the most important steps in managing a simulation project?

1 Define the problem and objectives

The first step in managing a simulation project is to clearly define the problem and the objectives of the simulation. You need to understand the context, scope, and purpose of the simulation, and identify the key stakeholders, inputs, outputs, and performance measures. You also need to establish the criteria for evaluating the simulation results and the alternatives. Defining the problem and objectives will help you to focus the simulation project and avoid unnecessary complexity and ambiguity.

2 Design the simulation model

The second step in managing a simulation project is to design the simulation model that represents the system under study. You need to select the appropriate modeling approach, such as discrete-event, continuous, or agent-based, and the level of detail and abstraction. You also need to collect and analyze the data that will feed the model, such as historical records, expert opinions, or experiments. You should document the assumptions, logic, and structure of the model, and use diagrams, flowcharts, or pseudocode to illustrate the model.

4 Validate and verify the simulation model

The fourth step in managing a simulation project is to validate and verify the simulation model. Validation is the process of checking that the model accurately reflects the real system, while verification is the process of checking that the model conforms to the design specifications. You need to use various methods and techniques to validate and verify the model, such as sensitivity analysis, face validation, statistical tests, or comparison with other models. You should document the validation and verification results, and revise the model if necessary.

5 Conduct the simulation experiments

The fifth step in managing a simulation project is to conduct the simulation experiments that will answer the problem and objectives. You need to design and execute the experiments that will explore the behavior of the system under different conditions, such as varying the input parameters, changing the scenarios, or introducing uncertainties. You also need to collect and analyze the output data that will measure the performance of the system, such as averages, distributions, or confidence intervals. You should use appropriate statistical methods and tools to interpret and summarize the data.

6 Present and implement the simulation results

The sixth and final step in managing a simulation project is to present and implement the simulation results. You need to communicate the results to the stakeholders in a clear, concise, and convincing manner, using graphs, tables, or animations. You also need to explain the implications, limitations, and recommendations of the simulation, and address any questions or feedback. You should provide a comprehensive report that documents the entire simulation project, and support the implementation of the simulation results in the real system.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?